Chapter Eight, I will protect you.

"Little devil, what have you brought upon us?" he asked me.

Whoever wants to pick a fight, feel free to come forward. I guarantee that I can kick you into oblivion with a single kick," I said coldly. After that, none of the men dared to approach, all looking at me with fear in their eyes.

Did Maner read the book properly? Brother asked me after entering the house. Brother's voice is really pleasant to listen to, and his eyes are filled with gentle waves, making people feel warm.

On my first voyage, as I gazed at the boundless sea with its sparkling waves, my heart couldn't help but fill with excitement. My eyes gleamed as I occasionally let out a few sighs of wonder. The whole crew looked at me and laughed, making me feel a bit embarrassed. In the evening, I found a secluded corner to read the book my brother had given me. I must finish reading it by May.

Regarding my experience of going outside for several months, Chu Hanjian has never mentioned it to his brother, and I haven't mentioned it either, so as not to worry his brother.

I boarded the boat amidst the laughter of the crowd. Perhaps this laughter was very friendly. I also smiled and felt better. The boatman was around twenty years old, with dark skin and a strong build, but his eyes were very clever. After boarding the boat, he actually asked me if I wanted a steamed bun. I took it, and he smiled, revealing his white teeth, appearing very happy.

In order to complete the mission, I set off overnight with a big bag of gold, wrapped in several layers and tied to the horse's back. I didn't know if it was because of the leaked information or the sharp eyes of the thieves, who could spot the heavy package of gold. Bandits and robbers from all over the place came out in full force. I hardly slept a wink on the way because every time I closed my eyes, someone would come to attack me.

Although it's a bit small, it's estimated that after three years--" The man looked at me lasciviously, and his hand unexpectedly reached towards my buttocks. However, before his hand could reach, I kicked him far away. He struggled for a few moments but couldn't get up, shocking everyone.

After they finished their discussion, they stuffed me into a carriage and took me to a brothel through the back door. The heavily made-up old madam came over, twisting her waist. When she saw my face, her eyes lit up for a moment, but quickly returned to normal. Then she said, "You're still so young, I don't know how much rice and grain will be wasted."

Unexpectedly, this little brat is quite capable. I control these streets, and if you want to make a living here, you must pay protection fees. This is the rule here. Since everyone has to pay, then I will pay too. But I didn't expect that not only did they take all the money I earned today, but they also took away the small bag of silver that Chu Hanjian gave me. This is not paying protection fees, it's outright robbery.

After swaying on the sea for a full twelve days, some people on the ship were vomiting, some had pale faces, and others looked exhausted, no longer showing the vitality they had when they first boarded the ship. However, I felt completely fine, without feeling any hardship.

Two bags of gold are enough to drive thieves crazy. If placed on a horse's back, it would be like tempting the thieves to make a move. If placed on a carriage, it would be more discreet, but unfortunately, carriages are large and cannot travel on some small roads. Gu Cheng is far away from here, and it may not be possible to deliver it within three months.

After I got on the land, I carried my backpack and started my wandering life. I bought the cheapest dry food on the street and wandered around. I never had the chance to wander around before, but now the opportunity has come, so I have to take a look around. When I thought of this, my heart was relieved and I was no longer lost.

Such goods, in the future, I will earn back the silver taels for you after sleeping for two nights. If Chunniang doesn't want it, I will go to Manhua Building. Scarface man pulled me and wanted to leave. The madam hurriedly stopped him. After several rounds of bargaining, the madam bought me for one thousand taels. I didn't expect that I would still be quite valuable.

The wicked girl has rebelled, everyone attack her. The creepy man shouted at me, his voice was as unpleasant as a pig being slaughtered. As a result, even the man who was closest to me was kicked far away by me.

It's a pity that she's still a flower bud. If only she were two years older, it would be perfect," someone lamented.

Fear spread throughout my body, and I couldn't help but tremble. Even if I were released now, my body hasn't fully recovered, and I wouldn't be able to compete with them. The world is full of danger, just as I suspected. How could I have been so careless? At that moment, I regretted it deeply.

I haven't tried such tender chicks before. Why not let me have a taste? Maybe the taste is not bad. Just then, a man with a scarred face and an ugly appearance walked over, baring his chest and revealing his black chest hair. He looked at me with a lewd gaze and even pinched my buttocks, causing me to grit my teeth in pain.

It seems that it's not so difficult to earn money. I estimate that I can stay in an inn tonight. I was happily counting money when someone approached me with open palms.

What are you doing? I looked at the man with a fierce momentum in confusion.

Before my brother left, he replaced another batch of books on my bookshelf and said that my piano and chess skills were lacking in practice. He would come back to test me at the end of the year. I nodded heavily. On the day my brother left, I quietly followed him on my horse for a long time, until he boarded the ship, until his ship disappeared in the vast waves, and then I returned with a heavy heart.

Upon hearing this, I took in a sharp breath. Chu Hanjian said that Wuzhou knives are good and asked me to help him buy one back. The silver is not even enough to buy a knife. If I spend it all along the way, what will I eat? Where will I stay?

The military order is like a mountain, and there is no choice but to obey. If I fail to complete this task, I will inevitably receive fifty lashes.

Mock me if you want, but no physical contact is allowed. If they get hurt, I'll take over their work. I'll collect their silver coins. After saying that, I went to carry rice. I carried the rice swiftly like the wind. In no time, I finished carrying what needed to be carried. I left with my wages, leaving everyone in awe.

Many nights, after killing people, I looked at the bodies on the ground, holding the two bags of gold, standing on a remote hilltop, and cried loudly, crying in isolation and panic.

How many meals can I have with the silver coins in my hand? I showed the small bag of silver coins to the boatman and he smiled and said, "If you stay at an inn, these broken silver coins can cover two days of lodging. If you buy steamed buns every day, they can only sustain you for at most half a month. If you want to have a good meal, I estimate that two silver coins will be spent in just two meals."

From the mouth of Leng Lingfeng, I learned that the kiln was actually a brothel. Not only did these people rob me in public, but they also wanted to send me to the brothel? So I didn't hesitate and quickly beat them up until they couldn't move. I took back my silver and left on horseback.

After this incident, I was filled with fear. It was only at this moment that I truly understood Chu Hanjian's good intentions. However, even so, I still went through a lot of hardships and encountered many dangers along the way. After this experience, I became much more steady and no longer the ignorant girl who had just come down from the mountain.

This girl looks quite delicate, she could probably earn a lot if she were sent to the kiln. The man leading the group laughed wickedly, ignoring my threats completely. After he finished laughing, he waved his hand and they all charged towards me. The people on the street quickly ran away upon seeing a fight.

In those days, Liangzhou was far from being as prosperous as it is now. There were not particularly many people coming in and out of the sea of clouds, and since I arrived early, there were not many people on the shore.

When I arrived in Hu City, I felt a bit exhausted, but I didn't know what was supporting me. I still kept up my spirits and hurried on. There are still ten days left until I reach Gu City. Just thinking about this makes my heart leap with joy. Once I hand over the gold to that wealthy merchant, I can finally have a good sleep and rest for two or three days.

I really don't want to stay here. The horse has been galloping continuously for several days, and now it's throwing a tantrum. No matter how gently I stroke its mane, it refuses to move. It's probably exhausted, after all, the gold on its back is quite heavy.

Actually, I spent five years on the mountain. Except for the night when I came down from the mountain and had a feast of fish and meat, my life was very hard. Grilled fish was already a delicacy for us, and we savored it with relish. We even ate blackened steamed buns for five years. How could I complain?

"Brother, in the future, I must marry someone from Liangzhou." I said. My brother chuckled, gently poking my nose, and asked, "You already want to get married at the age of ten?"

First, return my silver to me; second, lie down in pain for ten or eight days. You can choose one.

So I also set up a formation and started to perform with a sword on the bustling street. Because I am as light as a swallow, I could occasionally leap into the air, attracting quite a few people in no time. With my enthusiastic performance, I received waves of cheers, and I earned a good amount of silver that day.

Where did this little devil come from? He smiled at me, his gaze wandering, gentle and pleasant, but also with a sunny brightness that suddenly dazzled my eyes, making it hard to look away. But how could he call me a little devil?

The day after my older brother left, Chu Hanjian asked me to go out again. This time, he gave me two large bags of gold and asked me to personally deliver them to Gu Cheng and hand them over to the local wealthy merchant, Liu Gongqin. If I exceed the time limit, it will be considered a failure and I will be punished upon my return, receiving fifty lashes with a military cane. This time, Chu Hanjian issued a military order to me.

These features are really beautiful, but unfortunately a bit small, and there's not a bit of flesh. Otherwise, tonight the brothers can enjoy it.

It seems that my older brother is always busy. After staying for three days, he has to leave. On the day of his departure, everyone in the valley came out to see him off, especially Liusi, whose eyes turned red. After leaving the valley, my brother held my hand and we took a stroll around Liangzhou City. He asked me what I liked. Actually, I just liked him holding my hand. I just liked my brother smiling at me. That day, I bought a lot of things, but I didn't really like those things. I just wanted my brother to accompany me a little longer.

Pay protection money. I have never heard of such a thing as protection money. Does everyone have to pay it?

Coming up from the deep valley, I went straight to Kuangfeng Mountain. I stayed on the mountain for a full five years. When I came down from the mountain and returned to Chufu, I either practiced martial arts or read books. If I wasn't reading, I was training new soldiers. I simply didn't have time to stroll through the streets. I didn't even know how many meals I could afford with the silver coins Chu Hanjian gave me, or what I could buy with them.

Because everything outside is so fresh, I look here and there, and the day passes quickly. But as night falls and the people on the street gradually decrease, I start to feel a little anxious. I only have a few silver coins on me. If I stay at an inn tonight, what will I eat for the next few days?

The outside world is really too unfamiliar to me. I rode my horse in confusion and looked back after walking far away, but there was no one behind me.

You can't run away now, stay behind me, I'll protect you. I said to him seriously, he smiled and obediently rode his horse behind me, saying, "Little ghost, you must protect me well, I'm scared."

Don't worry, I'll take a look here. He still smiled gracefully and calmly, but the horse took a few steps back.

No matter when I see my older brother, he always looks so outstanding. After going outside and coming back, I still haven't found any man who looks as handsome as my older brother. Could it be that Liangzhou produces beautiful men? Otherwise, why are my older brother, Leng Lingfeng, Yun Qing, and even Leng Laoye and Chu Hanjian all so good-looking, while the men outside are so ugly?

After Scarface left, the madam jumped up excitedly, saying that she had found a treasure. At this point, the effect of my medicine had worn off and my strength had recovered. When they untied me, I started to leave, but more than a dozen men in black stopped me. Although they were skilled in martial arts, they were no match for me.

During the day, the kind and friendly shopkeeper and waiter now both have a fierce and ferocious look on their faces.

But when I rushed up to him, I was stunned. Under the moonlight, there was a handsome boy of fourteen or fifteen years old. His eyebrows and eyes were clear and bright like a refreshing breeze and a bright moon. His face was elegant and graceful like orchids, and he had the refined temperament of an elder brother, which made people feel at ease.

It's another night where there's no village ahead and no shop behind. The stars and moon are dim tonight, and the sky is dark and oppressive, making me feel uneasy. The surrounding area is filled with undulating mountains, with a nearby grassy slope and a dense forest in the distance, creating an eerie atmosphere.

I returned to the Chu Mansion in May and handed the Chu Wu State Sword to Chu Hanjian. Throughout the entire trip, Chu Hanjian did not say a word to me.

Madam, female bodhisattva, please stop, please stop." While the brothel madam begged for mercy on her knees, I left. Before leaving, I tied up all the people in the illegal brothel and sent them to the government.

The horse dipped its head into the water and drank happily. At this moment, the moon broke through the clouds and cast a soft light on the ground. I saw the water was clear and couldn't help but run to wash my face. Just then, the sound of horse hooves came from behind. I jumped up, mounted the horse, and drew my sword to charge forward. The fighting during this period made me realize that I must act swiftly and decisively, seize the initiative, otherwise I cannot afford to waste time.

The pier of Yunhai, I have been here many times, so the nearby boatmen all know me and know that I am the young lady of the Chu family. Everyone smiles and asks me if I am going out and why I am alone.

I need to go outside to take care of some matters," I said in an adult-like tone.

I asked the young boatman next to me how much silver he wanted. He shook his head and said that Miss Chu was on his boat, and he didn't even know how powerful he was. He didn't want a single penny and even offered a steamed bun as a gift. This caused laughter from the crowd. They said that this young man was scheming, trying to win Miss Chu's favor with a steamed bun.

Still very young, probably still halfway through, and then you were killed. It would be better to sell to a brothel. With her appearance, she can definitely fetch a good price.

At night, I found a dilapidated temple to spend the night in. However, the wind was strong at night, and the temple couldn't block the wind. I couldn't sleep soundly. This won't do. I need to go earn some money.

The next day when I woke up, I found that my silver coins were gone. I was tied up tightly and unable to move. It seemed that the drug had not completely worn off yet, and my body felt weak and limp. This was the first time I had encountered such a thing, and I was very scared.

After staying in Chufu for two days, my brother and I returned to Shengu to visit our parents. We both left, and I estimate that our parents' days will be even lonelier. So when they saw us come back, my mother's eyes turned red. That night, everyone was as happy as if it were a festival, especially Liusi, who was so happy that she was a bit incoherent, but it did not diminish her elegance and virtuousness.

On the sea, it is not always calm and peaceful. Occasionally, there will be strong winds and waves that make people tremble with fear. However, during those moments, I remain calm and read a book because even if the ship were to capsize, being afraid would be of no use.

In the distance, there is a faint white light, seemingly a small stream. I dismount and lead the horse, which follows slowly. When it sees the stream, the horse suddenly gallops towards it, probably very thirsty. I try to pull it back, but I can't. However, I am worried about the gold on its back, so I quickly run over.

The short and skinny shopkeeper touched my face with his withered vine-like hand. I felt like there were a hundred earthworms wriggling on my face, which was disgustingly nauseating. His lecherous gaze was fixed on my undeveloped chest, which was very creepy.

It's none of your business, leave quickly. I drew my sword and said.

These bandits want gold as well as lives. Many times, if I couldn't dodge in time, I would be chopped into minced meat by them. In order to survive, I killed the first person, then two more. Gradually, I lost count. The sword in my hand was filled with a strong smell of blood.

At the age of ten, still so wild." My older brother gently stroked my messy hair. Although his voice carried reproach, his eyes were filled with indulgence. I gently held my brother's hand and affectionately leaned against his side.

The master said that the hearts of people in the martial world are treacherous, and it is indeed so. However, I am confident in my martial arts skills and not afraid at all. But as one climbs higher, they will eventually meet a tiger. My experience in the martial world is still shallow. After having some money in my pocket, I stayed at an inn, but unexpectedly ended up staying at a shady one.

The bustling street is crowded with people coming and going. I saw a very beautiful hairpin, and I hesitated to put it down after picking it up. I smelled the aroma of food coming from the restaurant, and my stomach grumbled. But thinking about the little money in my pocket, I swallowed hard and took out my own black steamed bun to satisfy my hunger.

I nodded heavily at him and said, "Don't be afraid, I will definitely protect you."

There I lifted my head. Although I had been away for a while, I actually finished reading the book. It's just that I haven't been practicing the piano regularly, so I feel a bit guilty. That night, my older brother tested me book after book, and I answered fluently. He touched my hair and smiled with satisfaction.

The madam cursed and scolded the group of men, and then sent a female boss to her.

I went to the restaurant, and the boss laughed at me for not being tall enough for the table. He drove me away. Then I went to the rice shop to carry rice and do some heavy lifting. Before I could say anything, those burly men burst into laughter. There was even someone lewdly looking me up and down, asking me to go home with him, saying he would support me.

After earning a day's worth of silver, I still couldn't bear to stay at the inn. I found a place to stay casually. However, I ate two more steamed buns. The next day, I continued my journey and saw many people earning money by showing off their sword skills along the way. Their sword skills were far inferior to mine, but they earned more than those who carried rice.

The next day, my older brother evaluated my skills in playing the qin, calligraphy, painting, and embroidery. He was most satisfied with my embroidery and calligraphy, especially the calligraphy. I wrote two pieces, one of which my brother said was vigorous and powerful, exuding a majestic aura that captivated people's hearts. The other piece was elegant and beautiful, making people pause and feel tranquility. It was astonishing to think that such contrasting brushstrokes came from the same person's hand. My brother said it was inconceivable.

After wiping away my tears, I continued on my journey. I knew that no one could help me. Those cruel bandits wouldn't stop robbing me of my gold just because I cried. Due to the high tension and the constant threat of ambushes every night, I haven't had a good night's sleep in months. I am completely exhausted. I told myself that I should get a good night's sleep, but as soon as I heard the slightest sound, I became tense and jumped up.

Did you just protect me? Do we all have to pay? How much do we have to pay? I asked. The group of people laughed, and the leader reached out to pinch my face. This time I didn't kick him, I dodged on my own. Being in a foreign land, it's not good to have too many enemies.

I am not a little devil, do not call me that. Just then, the horse under me let out a mournful neigh, collapsed to the ground, foaming at the mouth. The river water was poisonous, and I looked around vigilantly. Sure enough, after a while, hundreds of people came rushing from all directions.

Ten days later, my older brother came back. I put on my most beautiful dress and stood at the door waiting. When I saw my brother coming back from afar, I lifted my dress and ran towards him. As soon as he got off his horse, I threw myself into his arms. His embrace always feels so refreshing.

I dare not stay in hotels, I dare not drink water casually, and I even hesitate to buy some dry food. I have to be cautious for a while before trying anything. The feeling of being killed at any moment is too terrifying. Sometimes, being surrounded by people in the middle of the night, I feel particularly isolated and helpless.